The Republic of Estonia was an independent state until 1918. The Soviet occupation interrupted this autonomy for around half a century, lasting until the end of World War II.
Estonia regained its independence in 1991. Today, Estonia is a thriving EU and NATO member state, where you can vote online and start your own business in under thirty minutes.
Estonia is known for its low population density and unspoiled nature—three-quarters of the country is covered by forests and wetlands. Estonia’s air is among the cleanest in the world, and biodiversity is accentuated by not four but five distinct seasons.
To describe Estonia’s land and nature, words like pristine, quiet, peaceful, untouched, mysterious and ancient come to mind. Islands, coastal cliffs, and a population that honors a green lifestyle make Estonia a top destination for nature lovers.
Estonia at a Glance
- Country: Estonia
- Area: 45,226 km²
- Capital: Tallinn
- Population: 1.5 million inhabitants
- Language: Estonian; Russian and English are also widely spoken
- Religion: Evangelical Lutheran Protestant
- Government: Parliamentary Republic
- Main cities: Tallinn, Tartu, Narva, Pärnu, Kohtla-Järve, Sillamäe
Essential Information about Estonia
- Currency: Estonian kroon (15.65 EEK = 1 EUR)
- Country code: +372
- International license plate: EST
- Driving side: right
- Entry documents: Passport or valid national ID for travel
- Vaccinations required: NN
- Electric current: 220V 50 Hz
- Measurement system: metric
- Time zone: +1 hour ahead of Italy
- Fixed public holidays: January 1: New Year; February 24: Independence Day; March-April: Good Friday; March-April: Easter; May 1: Labour Day; June 23: Victory Day; June 24: Midsummer; August 20: Restoration of Independence (from the Soviet Union in 1991); December 25: Christmas; December 26: St. Stephen’s Day
- Climate: Temperate; influenced by both the North Sea and the Russian continent. Coastal areas have mild winters and cool summers; inland has cold winters and warm summers
- Average temperatures: National annual average ranges from -8°C to 21°C. In summer, inland temperatures can reach up to 35°C
- Transport: National airline Estonian Air; also served by Air Baltic, Aeroflot, easyJet, Finnair, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, SAS, and others. Ferry connections provided by local companies Tallink and Lindaline and international operators including Silja Line, Nordic Jet and more
- Airports: Tallinn
